At FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies trailed for the majority of the evening on Friday. They ultimately struggled and scrapped until a shot by Derrick Rose halfway through the fourth quarter gave them a fleeting advantage, but they ultimately fell short in a 108-104 loss to the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets reacted fast, taking the lead with an 8-2 run. Memphis lost its opening game of the season for the second time in a row after failing to mount another comeback.

With 21 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies. Marcus Smart nailed three 3-pointers and contributed 20 points.

Grizzlies104, Nuggets 108 at the end

With 3:05 remaining, Rose’s pullup jumper has put the Grizzlies ahead 98-97. FedExForum is playing with the same volume as before the game.

With 6:05 remaining, Rose scores another touchdown. He took a quick trip to the bench, but he quickly returned and stole a point off of Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. For two points, Rose took a different route. Memphis is now down 95–93.

Derrick Rose is getting hotter at 9:19 left. In the fourth quarter, he has made two 3-pointers that have forced a Nuggets timeout. Grizzlies deficit is 91-87.

With 11:21 remaining, Jaren Jackson Jr. is departing the game after receiving his fifth foul. With eight rebounds and 19 points, he is leading the Grizzlies.

Quarter three

The Grizzlies are behind 89-79 at the end of the third quarter. When Memphis makes a run, it struggles to overcome its deficit. Denver’s bench has produced tremendous results. Bench scoring is where the Nuggets enjoy a 33–14 lead. In the third quarter, Xavier Tillman Sr. was one of Memphis’ shining spots.

5:39 remaining: The final Nuggets score explains why Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins like to preach the next play. There was an offensive foul called on Xavier Tillman Sr. Tillman and David Roddy were taken off guard while he contested the call, and the Nuggets gave Aaron Gordon an alley-oop. Lead: Denver, 76–68.

Desmond Bane is having trouble at 6:41 left. Right now, he’s shooting 1 out of 11 shots. Luke Kennard and Ja Morant aren’t playing, so the Grizzlies need his scoring. For Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. has gone above and above. In addition to his second 3-pointer, he now has 17 points. Memphis is behind 71–66.

The second half

Memphis, Tennessee The Grizzlies offense is effective.

Grizzlies 56, Nuggets 61 at the half. With a 38-point second quarter, Memphis quickly regained control of the game.

With 16 points, Jamal Murray is the top scorer overall. Marcus Smart has contributed 11 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the Grizzlies with 12.

Memphis’ first-half shooting percentage is 42.2%. At 47.9% is Denver. The star player for the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, is now shooting 2-for-5 with eight points. He isn’t getting an easy look from the Grizzlies.

In his role as the starting small forward, Ziaire Williams is performing better. He has six rebounds and seven points. He has made three field goals, including two alley-oop dunks.

With 2:47 remaining, the Grizzlies have improved significantly from their first quarter play. They’re taking advantage of mismatches and causing turnovers. Marcus Smart’s 3-point shooting is exactly what Memphis needs, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is using his speed against Jokic. He’s connected on two 3-pointers. After a sluggish start, Memphis’ shooting percentage has increased to 41.5% as they trail 51-45.

quarter one

At the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies were down 25–18 and were having trouble scoring. The two-time MVP Nikola Jokic was effectively slowed down by the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. frequently switched over to assist Xavier Tillman Sr., who was usually given the opening task. Memphis restricted the potent Nuggets offense to 44% shooting, but the Grizzlies could only muster 28%.

The Memphis Grizzlies host the NBA champion Denver Nuggets at FedExForum on Friday in an attempt to snap their dismal start.

The Grizzlies struggled to make open shots in their season opening against the New Orleans Pelicans, losing 111-104. Tuesday’s game versus the Lakers was won by Denver.

Luke Kennard, who was struck in the face during Wednesday’s game and is still in the concussion protocol, won’t be playing for the Grizzlies. Because of this, the Grizzlies’ depth in the backcourt is much less as Ja Morant carries out his 25-game suspension.